The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has once again appealed to the parents and guardians to get the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) done in time for those children who have crossed the age of seven but whose Aadhaar biometric details have not been updated yet.
This update is crucial to ensure easy access to services such as school admissions, entrance examinations, scholarships, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. UIDAI reiterated that only a biometrically updated Aadhaar card ensures seamless availability of these services.
Free update facility for children between 5 and 7 years of age
While enrolling children below the age of five for Aadhaar, only their photographs and demographic information are recorded, as biometric data such as fingerprints and eye scanning are not posible at this age.
According to UIDAI:
- If the first biometric update (MBU) is done between the ages of 5 and 7, it is absolutely free.
- A fee of Rs 100 will be charged for updating after crossing the age of 7 years.
- If the update is not done even after the stipulated time, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, which may affect access to related services.
- It is necessary to maintain the accuracy of Aadhaar and ease of services
The authority has also clarified that timely modification of biometric information is not just a formality, but it is a necessary step to maintain the authenticity and reliability of the child’s Aadhaar data. Updated Aadhaar has now become an important medium for providing identification and service in government schemes and institutions.
